Burden of Diabetic Nephropathy in China Shows No Signs of Abatement

Strategic Insights -

The burden of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in China continues to rise, posing a significant public health challenge and negatively impacting the quality of life of millions of people. According to a recent study using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) system, the number of DN cases in China reached 20,911,520 in 2021, with an age-standardized prevalence rate of 1,053.92 per 100,000 people.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that the burden of DN in China increased from 1990 to 2021, with a total of 20,911,520 cases reported in 2021.
  • The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of DN was 16.29 per 100,000 people in 2021, while the age-standardized death rate (ASDR) was 5.64 per 100,000 people.
  • The age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of DN were 122.15 per 100,000 people in 2021.
  • The incidence rate of DN showed a sustained upward trend from 1990 to 2021, and predictive analysis suggests that the ASIR will continue to rise from 2022 to 2036.
  • The study found that population aging was the main cause of the increased burden of DN in China.

Statistics:

  • 20,911,520: The total number of DN cases in China in 2021.
  • 1,053.92: The age-standardized prevalence rate of DN in China in 2021.
  • 16.29: The age-standardized incidence rate of DN in China in 2021.
  • 5.64: The age-standardized death rate of DN in China in 2021.
  • 122.15: The age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of DN in China in 2021.

Sources:

  • Long-term trends and future projections of the burden of diabetic nephropathy in China: a comprehensive analysis of GBD data from 1990 to 2036. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2025;16:1681689.
  • NewsRx. New Global Burden of Disease Findings from Gansu University of Chinese Medicine Discussed (Long-term trends and future projections of the burden of diabetic nephropathy in China: a comprehensive analysis of GBD data from 1990 to 2036). Diabetes Week. November 3, 2025; p 220.